Code in the Schools

Code in the Schools teaches Baltimore youth computer coding, preparing them to be active participants in the growing technology sector. They achieve this through innovative in-school, after-school, and summer programming for youth age 4-21, as well as professional development for educators throughout the region.

Code in the Schools was founded in 2013 to provide computer science education opportunities to youth in Baltimore who are traditionally underrepresented in tech. The organization partners with schools and community organizations across the city to deliver computer science instruction in both formal and informal settings, and courses range from hands-on electrical engineering, programmable circuits, and robotics classes, to software development classes in high level languages, such as JavaScript, C#, and Python.

Since its founding, Code in the Schools has served more than 6,000 PreK-12th grade students, employed hundreds in its summer YouthWorks program, and trained teachers and librarians throughout the region to bring computer science education to the youth in their communities. Currently, Code in the Schools is working to increase the number of older youth who go into computer science degree programs and jobs in the tech sector though their work with Baltimore City Schools and the Prodigy Program, an advanced computer programming and job training program for Baltimore youth 15-24 years old.

"The Deutsch Foundation was pivotal to the growth and success of our organization. Through their seed funding and mentorship we were able to form an organization with a sustainable business model that has allowed us to grow nearly 40% each year and provide more and more youth with these absolutely critical 21st century skills." - Gretchen LeGrand, Co-Founder and Executive Director